During a routine address to Central Command officers, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth briefly addressed a handful of isolated incidents in Judea and Samaria, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and professionalism during operational activity. While noting that such events are uncommon and do not reflect the broader conduct of Israeli forces or civilians, he reiterated that the IDF holds itself to the highest standards, especially in times of war.
The backdrop for his comments includes a disturbing assault and arson attack on an Israeli police patrol vehicle carried out by settlers in the West Bank earlier this week. Gen. Bluth visited the site in person alongside officers from the Judea and Samaria Police District and used the occasion to deliver a forceful message: such acts of lawlessness not only breach military discipline but also undermine national security.
“These are severe incidents that must be addressed with the necessary seriousness,” Bluth said. “All security forces will continue to work together to maintain safety and order in the region.”
The general also addressed a separate incident involving IDF reservists who vandalized property in the Arab village of Deir Dibwan during an operational deployment. “This is not what we stand for,” he stated unequivocally. “Graffiti and destruction during operational activity is unacceptable and contradicts the IDF’s values. There can be no tolerance for soldiers disregarding their commanders’ orders.”
Bluth’s remarks are significant in light of the broader context: Israel is in the midst of a war for survival against Iran’s global terror network—a conflict ignited by the barbaric October 7 massacre that saw 6,000 terrorists from Gaza invade Israel, killing over 1,163 people, including infants, the elderly, and entire families. Since that day, Israel has been forced to defend itself on multiple fronts—from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq, to the Houthis in Yemen.
Amid this existential struggle, Bluth stressed the importance of maintaining both moral integrity and operational discipline. “We are acting decisively to prevent terror, uphold the rule of law, and maintain aggressive precision and wise judgment,” he said. “This combination will enable us to defeat terrorism and remain human.”
His message was clear: Israel’s strength lies not only in its military might, but in its values. The IDF must remain a disciplined force, even under pressure, and settler violence or vigilante actions have no place in a country fighting for its very existence. As the region remains volatile and Israel continues to dismantle Hamas and Iran’s terror empire, internal unity and adherence to the law are paramount.
Bluth’s leadership underscores a vital truth—Israel’s battle is not just for security but for the soul of the nation. And in that battle, there is no room for extremism that threatens to blur the moral clarity that distinguishes Israel from its enemies.
